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Basalt Pillars and Green Belts Creating Community Connections in Icelandic Geology Museum

Authors:
Limin Pan, Jiawei Wu, Yusi Huang
Basalt Pillars and Green Belts Creating Community Connections in Icelandic Geology Museum
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Incorporating basalt pillars and surrounding green belts, the design serves as a community connector while highlighting Iceland's volcanic heritage through its educational exhibition functions.
5 key facts about this project
01
The museum integrates basalt pillars as a key architectural feature.
02
Surrounding green belts enhance biodiversity and community interaction.
03
Exhibition spaces are designed to showcase the region's volcanic history.
04
The master plan includes multiple levels to accommodate various functions.
05
The layout promotes accessibility between the museum and nearby scenic spots.

The Iceland Volcano Museum is located in the Myvatn area and focuses on the region's unique geological features. Its design draws inspiration from local elements such as Myvatn, Basalt Pillars, Volcanoes, and Lava. These aspects reflect the natural landscape and the rich geological history of Iceland. The museum aims to be more than just an educational space; it serves as a community hub that encourages interaction among locals and visitors.

Site Plan
The site plan has been thoughtfully designed to create a relationship between the building and the surrounding environment. It considers the existing landscape and integrates public spaces, commercial areas, and green zones. This careful arrangement makes it easy for people to access the museum and engage with the community. The vibrant blend of spaces enhances local life and promotes connection.



Master Plan
The master plan consists of multiple levels featuring essential spaces like a library, meeting rooms, and an information center. These areas support educational purposes and serve visitors effectively. An exhibition hall is a key part of the design, showcasing artifacts and information that highlight the volcanic landscape. This arrangement allows smooth movement throughout the museum while keeping the design cohesive.



Environmental Integration
A significant focus of the museum is its commitment to sustainability. Green belts are integrated into the design to encourage biodiversity and reduce the impact on the natural landscape. By maintaining connections with grassy areas and water features, the building complements its surroundings. This thoughtful approach enhances the visitor experience while nurturing the local environment.



With its varied functional spaces and emphasis on community engagement, the museum invites exploration of Iceland's volcanic heritage. The design integrates building and landscape, creating areas that encourage appreciation of the region’s geological wonders.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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